seen it. The trunk had
fallen across the trail. When I started to go down below to look for
our supplies I stumbled over the stick, and to prevent some one else
tripping over it, I threw it out of the trail. The stick ended over
and stood upright against the rock where you saw it. I presume Mr.
Grubb did see it tip to one side. I know, however, that the stick has
been there ever since I tossed it out of the trail last night."

"Well, I swum!" muttered Janus sheepishly, "I'm so easy it's a wonder I
haven't lost myself."

"No, you were doing your best to protect us," replied Miss Elting.
"But I would rather you did not shoot again except in real defence. In
other words, don't shoot unless some one shoots at you."

"What am I going to do?" demanded the guide rather crossly. "Sit down
and allow some outlaw to rob us at every turn?"

"We know you are ready to defend us," pacified Miss Elting. "What
would you advise us to do?"

"Make no further move until morning. When daylight comes we will get
up the stuff that has been thrown over there, make up our packs and
start for Mt. Washington," returned Janus promptly. "I'll reach a
telephone before long and send word to the sheriff about what has
occurred. He may be out already on the bridge matter, but he ought to
know about this last affair. It will give him a clue as to where the
man is."

"But the unknown wretch may follow us," protested the guardian.

"He won't. He's gone into hiding after what has happened. You won't
see any more of him. You see, he knows we shall be on the lookout for
him, and he won't be taking any chances on it until a day has
passed--perhaps about to-morrow night--then he may come back here to
see what he can find. I am banking on that, after having thought the
matter over. We won't be here, but the sheriff will, if I can get hold
of him."

Miss Elting agreed that the guide's plan was as good as could be
devised, and promptly directed the girls to return to the hut and, if
possible, sleep for the few remaining hours of the night. That morning
the girls overslept. By the time they awakened, Janus had gathered
together all the supplies and equipment to be found below the hut.
Some of the provisions were missing. Nothing that would be likely to
be recognized by the owners had been taken by the man who had thrown
their stores overboard, so to speak, so they found themselves better
off than they had hoped. A real breakfast was